The Library of Things is a collection of nontraditional items available for the Needham community to borrow such as tools, technology, and other fun equipment. Items may be checked out and returned to the Needham Free Public Library Circulation Desk on the first floor. Non-residents can borrow these materials, however, all items must be picked-up and dropped-off at the Needham Circulation Desk.
Please do not return items in the book drop!
Borrowing
In order to borrow a Library of Things item, patrons must meet the following criteria:
- Borrowers must have a valid Minuteman Library Network card in good standing.
- Borrowers of Library of Things items must be 18 years old or older.
- Borrowers will receive a copy of the Library of Things Lending Agreement.
- Borrowers must pick up and return the Library of Things item at the Needham Free Public Library Circulation Desk.
Loan Periods
A Library of Things item may be borrowed for up to 2 weeks and renewed up to two times unless another borrower is waiting.
Proper Use and Liability
As with all Library materials, the borrower is responsible for the item and will be billed for reasonable repair, replacement costs associated with damage, or loss of items and/or peripherals (including components, accessories, and carriers) due to neglect or abuse. A list of replacement costs of items is available upon request.
The Needham Free Public Library is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage that may occur from use of a Library of Things item. The Needham Free Public Library staff claims no expertise and makes no representation concerning the fitness of any tool for any particular use.
It is the borrower’s responsibility to protect against loss. Staff will inspect Library of Things items upon return. Borrowers are expected to return the item with all parts, components, and careers to the Circulation Desk. Borrowers will be responsible for any damage to a Library of Things item while in their possession.
Feedback
Tell us about your experience with the Needham Library of Things collection and/or suggest a new item for the Needham Library of Things collection by filling out this Library of Things Feedback Survey!
Arts & Crafts
Cricut Explore 3
The Cricut Explore 3 is a DIY cutting machine. Make custom vinyl stickers, personalized home decor, unique greeting cards, custom designed apparel, and more! Vinyl, transfer sheets, and other supplies are not included.
- User Guide [PDF]
- Cricut Explore 3 Overview [VIDEO]
- Design Space Intro for Cricut Explore 3 [VIDEO]
Crochet Hooks
Borrow a crochet hook. The library has a range of US Sizes: D – K.
Drop Spindles
Spin your own yarn with a drop spindle.
Embroidery Kit
Get started on embroidery with this kit! Thread and canvas not included.
Hot Glue Gun
Use this hot glue gun for a variety of different craft projects.
Engraver
Borrow this engraver to personalize and add designs to all types of materials
Knitting Needles, Circular
Borrow a pair of circular knitting needles. The Library has a range of US sizes: 3 – 11.
Knitting Needles, Double Point
Borrow several double point knitting needles. The library has a range of US sizes: 2 – 10.5.
Knitting Needles, Straight
Borrow a pair of knitting needles. The library has a range of US sizes: 4 – 15.
Sewing Machine
Sew fabrics together with this Singer machine! Fabric and thread is not included.
- User Guide [PDF]
- Singer Sewing Machine Insert [PDF]
- Singer Sewing Machine Safety Insert [PDF]
- Meet the MX231 Sewing Machine [VIDEO]
- Sewing Labs Tutorials: Bobbin Tips [VIDEO]
Seam Ripper
This item includes seam rippers in a variety of sizes as well as a pair of U-shaped scissors.
Assistive
Activity Apron
This activity apron is designed to provide stimulating activities and textures for people with cognitive impairment.
Cane
This adjustable Nova HD offset cane weighs 1 lb.
Chair, Transport
This lightweight wheelchair with hand brakes has large back wheels to help with uneven surfaces.
- User Guide [PDF]
Computer Keyboard, Large Print
This large print keyboard has high contrast and enlarged keys to visualize the board more easily.
Lamp, Therapy
This Verilux HappyLight Portable Light Therapy Lamp is 9″ x 5.6″ inches and it weighs 1.3 lbs.
- User Guide [PDF]
Magnifier, Page
This page magnifier illuminates and enlarges text for easy reading.
Magnifier, Page with Stand
This page magnifier illuminates and enlarges text for easy reading. This model includes a stand so it is hands-free.
Magnifier, Screen
This large magnifier can enlarge laptop screens for better visibility.
Magnifying Glass, Handheld
This handheld magnifier has a built-in LED to illuminate what you want to magnify.
Magnifying Glass, Hands-free
This chest magnifier illuminates and enlarges text for easy reading while sitting. This model is hands-free.
Reading Ruler Aid
This ruler aid helps readers strengthen visual tracking, blocks distractions, and helps concentration and focus.
Sound Amplifier
This device amplifies sounds closest to the listener while reducing background noise. It is ideal for one-on-one conversation, small-group conversation, television listening, or conversing in the car.
- User Guide [PDF]
Walker, Rolling
This rolling walker provides extra balance and support. It includes a padded seat and basket.
- User Guide [PDF]
Audiovisual
AUX Cable
This three foot AUX cable easily allows you to plug in your phone to play music.
Blu-ray Player
This Samsung Blu-Ray Disc Player (Model: BD-E5300) and remote plays Blu-ray discs when plugged into a TV or monitor. It plays both Blu-Rays and DVDS.
Blu-ray Player
This LG Blu-ray Player kit includes everything you need to watch movies on your TV screen at home. It plays both Blu-rays and DVDs.
- User Guide [PDF]
Cassette Converter
This Cassette Tape Converter allows you to convert cassettes to digital MP3 files without a computer, simply plug in a flash drive and go!
Cassette Recorder
This Jensen Portable Cassette Player/Recorder allows you to load cassettes into the tape deck and hit record.
- User Guide [PDF]
CD Player
This Jensen Personal Compact Disc player allows you to listen to CDs at home with headphones.
- User Guide [PDF]
DVD Drive, External
This DVD drive has a USB and micro-USB connector to easily connect to any device and play.
DVD Player, Portable
Portable DVD Player kit includes everything you need to watch movies on a portable 9-inch screen.
Headphones, Noise Canceling
Borrow these noise canceling headphones to block out sound and focus.
- User Guide [PDF]
- User Guide [QR Code]
Lightning to Headphone Adapter
Use this adapter to plug an AUX cable into your iPhone.
Projector
This portable projector can be connected to a variety of devices for hours of entertainment.
- User Guide [PDF]
Record Player
This Crosley Discovery Turntable connects to your Bluetooth or AUX in speakers. The turntable plays three speeds: 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records.
- User Guide [PDF]
Gaming
Nintendo Pro Controller
Check out this wireless pro controller to play in comfort! Comes with a charging cable.
Nintendo Switch
This kit includes Nintendo Switch, Switch Dock, Switch AC adaptor, 2 Joy-Controllers (L+R) and straps, Joy-Con grips, and HDMI cable. Games are not included, but can be checked out separately.
- User Guide [PDF]
Kitchen
Air Fryer
This item can Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate up to 5 QTs of food at once.
- User Guide [PDF]
Bakeware Set
This Bakeware Set contains a roasting pan, a loaf pan, a baking sheet, a muffin tin, and two cake pans.
Bread Maker
This bread maker has 14 different settings and a 2 pound loaf capacity.
- User Guide [PDF]
Cookware Set
This Cookware Set contains three pots of various sizes with lids, and two fry pans.
Cookie Cutters, Assorted
We offer multiple different sets to cut cookies into all kinds of shapes!
Ice Cream Maker
This ice cream maker can make 2 quarts in as little as 25 minutes!
- User Guide [PDF]
- Warning Sheets [PDF]
Instant Pot
This versatile multi-cooker acts as a rice cooker, slow cooker, pressure cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, warmer, and can sauté as well.
- User Guide [PDF]
- Warning Sheets [PDF]
Mixing Bowls
Upgrade your kitchen with this mixing bowl set. Includes everything you need to get cooking!
- User Guide [PDF]
Stand Mixer
This mixer has six speeds and three attachments for all your mixing needs.
- User Guide [PDF]
Thermometer, Food
Instant-read meat thermometer offers a quick response time and high accuracy.
Music
Metronome
Use this metronome and tuner combo to keep time and stay on key while playing a variety of musical instruments.
- User Guide [PDF]
Piano Keyboard
Show off your musical talents with this Yamaha PSS-A50 digital keyboard!
- User Guide [PDF]
Ukulele
Learn to play ukulele! This kit contains one ukulele and several picks to practice your musical skills.
- User Guide [PDF]
Office
Label Printer
Use this mini label printer to easily label items. Label tapes are included.
- User Guide [PDF]
Laminator
This thermal laminator can laminate documents up to nine inches. Laminator sheets not included.
- User Guide [PDF]
Paper Shredder
Shred your documents or credit cards securely at home with this Amazon Basics paper shredder. This cutter can shred up to 8 sheets at a time.
- User Guide [PDF]
Scanner
This Brother DS920DW mobile scanner can scan single-sided materials at up to 8ppm, up to 5ppm duplex, in both color and black/white. The scanner’s dimensions are 10″ x 13.9″ inches and it weighs 1.17 lbs.
Three Hole Punch
Use this three hole punch to easily put papers into a three ring binder.
Outdoor Activities
Backpacks
This waterproof backpack weighs 7 ounces and can be stored in a 7.4″ x 5.5″ inch pouch.
Badminton
Play badminton with your friends! This kit includes birdies and four rackets.
Birdwatching Kit
This kit contains a pair of Celestron NatureDX 8×32 binoculars and the Field Guide to Birds of Massachusetts by Wayne R. Peterson (Scott & Nix, 2017).
- User Guide [PDF]
Chair, Camping
This Coleman Cooler Quad Chair weighs 8.3 pounds with a carrying case.
Tent
This dome tent fits six people. It is 10 feet x 9 feet with a 10 feet x 5 feet screen room. The tent height is 5 feet and 8 inches in the center.
- User Guide [PDF]
Weed Puller
This stand up weed puller makes it easy to garden without hurting your back or knees.
Photography
Camera, Digital
Take photos with this Kodak PixPro FZ43 Digital Camera and accessories.
- User Guide [PDF]
Canvas Lamp
This lamp attaches to your desk and lets you film yourself easily.
- Canvas Lamp User Guide [PDF]
- Remote Shutter User Guide [PDF]
Film Scanner
Scan and digitize your film reels easily with this film scanner.
GoPro Action Camera
Use this GoPro Hero 10 action camera to record high-speed videos and photos of your adventures!
- Starter Guide [PDF]
- User Guide [PDF]
Ring Light
Light up your set, scene, or workspace! This 6-inch LED ring light comes with a tripod stand.
STEM
Electronics Kit
Build your own robot with this electronics kit! All robots must be disassembled before returning the kit.
- User Guide [PDF]
- Elegoo Electronics Kit Tutorials [VIDEOS]
Microscope
This Moysuwe Digital Microscope with a 4.3 inch LCD screen and USB cable can connect to a computer or laptop. Its magnification range is 10x – 1000x with a resolution of 2 MP/720P. It is compatible with Windows operating systems only.
- User Guide [PDF]
Raspberry Pi Kit
This Raspberry Pi CanaKit contains one Raspberry Pi computer (Raspberry Pi 4 1GB Model B with 1.5GHz quad-core CPU with 1GB RAM) with a 128GB microSD card and USB card reader.
- User Guide [PDF]
- Raspberry Pi Guide [PDF]
- Canakit Informational Inserts [PDF]
Tonies
Check out individual Tonies for use! Available Tonies include: Astronaut; Greek Myths; Sleepy Friends; Gruffalo; Elmer & Friends; Leo’s Day; Travling Songs; Encanto; Thomas & Friends; The Very Hungry Caterpillar; Playtime Songs; Peppa Pig My First Album; Octonauts Kwazii; Roald Dahl Stories; Kids Classical Music.
Toniebox
This screen-free digital listening experience tells stories with different figurines!
- User Guide [PDF]
Telescope
Take this telescope home to explore the wonders of the night sky!
Train Set
Have fun with this Intelino Smart Train set! Connect to your phone to play with a variety of track types and colorful command blocks.
WhaZoodle
Provides learning through all-audio approaches, playing with movement, exercise, or fun games, and resting with soft music, guided meditation, or nature sounds. Select from different themes and adventures we have to offer!
Yoto Card
Borrow a Yoto Card to go with a Yoto Player!
Technology
Card Reader
This card reader will read SDHC, microSDHC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, and Memory Stick Micro (M2) media via 480 Mb/s USB 2.0 Type-A technology with the 4-in-1 USB 2.0 Vidpro Card Reader.
Charging Adapter
This charging adapter allows you to plug many USB cables into one outlet.
Digital Converter
This ClearClick Video2Digital converter allows you to transfer from VHS, VCR, DVD, DVR, Camcorders, Hi8, and more to digital formats.
Drone, Camera
Fly with this DJI Mini SE camera drone and controller.
- User Guide [PDF]
- DJI Mini SE Informational Insert [PDF]
- DJI Mini SE First Flight Tutorial [VIDEO]
Floppy Disk Drive
This external floppy disk drive can read diskette storage when attached to a computer through a USB cable.
- User Guide [PDF]
Google Chromecasts
Cast video or audio streams from your phone or laptop to your TV or other monitor in your home with this Google Chromecast.
Hotspots
Mobile hotspots allow free access to a steady wi-fi signal. These hotspots circulate with guide and power adapter.
Roku Streaming Sticks
Roku streams free and live TV with access to channels such as Hoopla, Kanopy, and Vudu for Needham Free Library accounts.
- User Guide Roku Express [PDF]
- User Guide Roku Express 4K [PDF]
- How to Set Up the Roku Express/Express+ [VIDEO]
USB-C to HDMI Adapter
This Anker USB C to HDMI adapter allows you to connect any TV or monitor with a HDMI port to stream video from a laptop or phone’s USB-C port.
- User Guide [PDF]
Tools
Air Quality Monitor
This monitor provides an accurate read of air quality to check safety for you and your family.
- User Guide [PDF]
Battery Tester
Test the life of your batteries!
EMF Meter
This EMF meter has a wide range of uses, from detecting electronic radiation for health reasons to ghost hunting!
- User Guide [PDF]
Fan, Handheld
Use this handheld fan to keep yourself cool on hot days.
Gripper
Use this grabber to extend your reach at home or outside!
Kill-a-watt Meter
Borrow a Kill-a-watt meter to keep track of your energy use in your home.
Metal Detector
This Kentoktool Underground Metal Detector will help you find buried treasure. It comes with headphones, a small shovel, and a carrying case. It weighs 2.4 pounds.
- User Guide [PDF]
- Kentoktool TX-4071 How-To [VIDEO]
Plier Set
This kit includes five different types of pliers: Long Nose, Groove Joint, Diagonal Cutting, Linesman, and Slip Joint.
Power Meter
This power meter measures power (W), energy (kWh), volts, amps, hertz, power factor, and maximum power (W).
- User Guide [PDF]
Sharpener, Knife
Use this sharpener to safely and easily sharpen your scissors.
Sharpener, Scissors
Use this sharpener to safely and easily sharpen your scissors.
Stud Finder
This RISEPRO stud detector uses a micro-sensor chip to precisely and quickly find edges and center of metal, studs, joists, pipes, or live AC wires behind walls, floors and ceilings.
Toolkit
This Craftsman 57-piece toolkit contains sockets, a ratchet, slip joint pliers, spinner handle, drill bit adapter, screwdrivers, tape measure, fiberglass hammer, bit bars, and a hex key set to help with your home improvements.
Walkie Talkies
This two-way radio or walkie-talkie set contains two radios, belt clips, and a charger.
- User Guide [PDF]
Wire Stripper
Use this tool to easily strip and cut wires of a variety of sizes.
Woodworking Clamps
This item includes four six-inch clamps and two twelve-inch clamps for a variety of woodworking needs.